Credit: Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images

Darwin Nunez Leaves Liverpool for Al-Hilal in £46m Transfer Shake-Up

Credit: Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images

Darwin Nunez has completed a permanent move from Liverpool to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for a reported £46.2m (€53m). Thus, bringing an end to a marvelous three-year spell at Anfield. The Uruguayan striker has signed a three-year contract with the Saudi side.

Now only a subject to international clearance, Nunez has already joined his new teammates at their pre-season camp in Germany. He arrived from Benfica in June 2022 for an initial £64m deal that could have risen to £85m. He made 143 appearances for the club in his time.

Liverpool FC can confirm Darwin Nunez has completed a permanent transfer to Al-Hilal, subject to international clearance.

Everybody at the club would like to thank Darwin for his contributions and wish him and his family all the best for the future.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 9, 2025

Nunez scored 40 goals for Liverpool in that time and won the Premier League, Carabao Cup and FA Community Shield with the club. His time at Anfield was marked by flashes of brilliance. However, it was also marred by moments of inconsistency.

Thus, leading to a mixture of opinions from the fans about his overall impact. Liverpool thanked the forward for his efforts, stating: “Everybody at the club would like to thank Darwin for his contributions and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

Also Read: Barcelona Confirm Exit of Key Defensive Leader Inigo Martinez

Darwin Nunez with the Reds

Nunez’s Liverpool career featured dramatic late winners. This includes a stoppage-time brace at Newcastle in August 2023, a 99th-minute goal against Nottingham Forest in March 2024, and two added-time strikes against Brentford in January 2025. That last one also proved pivotal in the title race.

Nunez also holds the record for the most 90th-minute winners in the Premier League since the start of the 2022-23 season (three). However, his time in England was also defined by wastefulness in front of goal. Despite his energy and commitment, he often struggled to cement a regular starting role.

Also Read: Manchester United Sign Benjamin Sesko From RB Leipzig in £73.7m Deal

This was especially after Arne Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in 2024. Slot’s criticism of Nunez’s mentality following a key miss against Aston Villa in February hinted at an eventual departure: “Players miss chances – that I can accept. What was a bit harder for me to accept was his behaviour after that chance… it got too much in his head.”

What’s Next for Liverpool?

Liverpool are undergoing a squad overhaul. They’re now exploring attacking reinforcements but have seen a £110m bid for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak rejected. For Nunez, the move to Al-Hilal offers a fresh start and the opportunity to rediscover his prolific Benfica form.

Al-Hilal

Darwin Nunez

Liverpool

Premier League

Saudi Pro League

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.